MUTCD W7-4: Truck Escape Ramp Signs

The W7-4 sign is covered in Section 2C.15 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition. Below are the provisions from that section that describe when the sign is used and how it is placed.

What it means and when it is used

• Guidance · Recommended (should)
  Where applicable, truck escape (or runaway truck) ramp advance warning signs (see Figure 2C-5 ) should be located approximately 1 mile and approximately ½ mile in advance of the grade, and of the escape ramp. An additional W7-4b or W7-4c sign should be placed at the gore.
• Guidance · Recommended (should)
  A RUNAWAY VEHICLES ONLY (R4-10) sign (see Section 2B.41) should be installed near the escape ramp entrance to discourage other road users from entering the ramp. No Parking (R8-3) signs should be placed near the ramp entrance.

Placement and mounting

• Standard · Required (shall)
  When truck escape ramps are installed, at least one of the W7-4 series signs shall be used.

Where to read the rest

• Full text: MUTCD Section 2C.15: Truck Escape Ramp Signs
• Minimum sign sizes by roadway type are in the size section for this chapter: Section 2C.03
• Mounting height, lateral offset and retroreflectivity for any sign: MUTCD sign placement guide